Cheap Murder on the Mauretania : A Mystery Featuring George Porter Dillman and Genevieve Masefield (A Mystery Featuring George Porter Dillman & Genevieve Masefield) (Book) (Conrad Allen) Price

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Customer Reviews of Murder on the Mauretania : A Mystery Featuring George Porter Dillman and Genevieve Masefield (A Mystery Featuring George Porter Dillman & Genevieve Masefield)

They both are serving as undercover detectives on the maiden voyage of the Mauretania during its maiden voyage in 1907. Masefield is in first class and Dillman is in second class. The Cunard line hopes that the Mauretania will set a new speed record across the Atlantic from Liverpool to New York. High seas make that impossible . . . and a second-class passenger disappears during the storm.

The detectives are kept busy by a string of seemingly related silver thefts, which they cannot stop . . . even though they have a suspect whom Dillman catches red-handed early in the book. At the same time, everyone on board is fascinated by the twelve tons of gold being shipped to New York to help offset a financial panic. Those with slippery fingers would like to get their hands on it. Suddenly, bits and pieces of the ship's gear begin to be misplaced . . . only to be found again. What's it all about?

The narrow range of passenger types from snooty English aristocrats to friendly Americans precludes the book from having much appeal through the new characters it introduces. Despite this, most will enjoy Miss Alexandra (call me Ally) Jarvis, a spirited girl whose love of a cat, the ship's mascot Bobo, helps solve the various mysteries.

In typical Conrad Allen fashion, the mystery isn't too mysterious, there's only a little misdirection, and the clues all fall into place just a little too conveniently to let the story move forward. The prose is a little awkward and stiff, and most of the interactions of the characters don't overcome that.

If you decide to read one book in this series, I suggest that you try Murder on the Minnesota. It's much better than this one.

After you finish the story, think about how you can help a young person by treating them with the respect you give to adults. Then, take action to encourage a young person today!

Lots of excitement in this mystery
In late 1907 Liverpool, the maiden voyage of the world's largest ocean liner, the Mauretania begins. Among the passengers is detective George Porter Dillman sailing in second class and his new assistant Genevieve Masefield staying in first class. George and Genevieve met on the Lusitania (see MURDER ON THE LUSITANIA). They are working undercover for the Cunard Line to prevent robberies of the wealthy patrons from thieves that are plowing their trades and to protect a 2.75 million-pound gold shipment.

As the ship sails, George stops minor pilfering from happening, but an unknown phantom continues to steal in spite of the detective's efforts. The weather for the most part is nasty, but the powerful Mauretania keeps a steady pace. However, the calm changes when a first class passenger falls overboard in what appears to be a tragic accident. However, Sam soon sees a connection with that incident and the clever stealing of some of the gold. Even with Genevieve's access to the wealthy first class patrons, Sam struggles to identify a master felon.

MURDER ON THE MAURETANIA, the second Dillman-Masefield historical mystery set on the ocean cruise liners, is a wonderful tale that brings readers along for the ride sans seasickness. The story line is entertaining as readers obtain a glimpse at the ship, its passengers, and its crew mostly through the eyes of the undercover sleuth and his assistant. The enjoyable who-done-it adds to the fun of an exciting sea voyage. Sub-genre fans will book passage on Conrad Allen's next ocean adventure.

Harriet Klausner